Implementing Stress Reduction Strategies in New Graduate Nurses
Project Abstract
New graduate nurses (NGN’s) experience significant stress as they transition into their roles, particularly in the Emergency Department, due to high responsibilities, staffing issues, and demanding environments. Stress, along with factors like poor leadership and high nurse-to-patient ratios, contributes to burnout and increased turnover. This DNP project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of stress management interventions during NGN orientation in the emergency department. A pre- and post-intervention survey using the Nurse Stress Index (NSI) measured stress levels before and after the orientation period. The NSI survey was completed at the beginning of the program to establish baseline stress levels, and after the orientation period to assess any changes in stress following an intervention. NGNs were encouraged to implement stress management strategies throughout their orientation. Results from both pre- and post-intervention surveys showed stress levels ranging from “very little pressure” to “moderate pressure,” using a 5-point Likert scale. The pre-intervention mean score was 2.15, while the post- intervention mean was 2.38, indicating a slight increase in stress levels by the end of orientation. Most participants reported using the stress management interventions 4-6 times during orientation. These findings suggest that while stress management interventions may be beneficial, they did not lead to a reduction in stress during orientation. Future interventions may need to be adjusted to more effectively decrease stress levels. Further research is needed to explore alternative strategies to support NGN’s and enhance the impact of stress reduction efforts.
Keywords: New graduate nurse, Emergency department, Stress management, Nurse Stress Index, Intervention
Conference
Conference Name: 37th Annual Coalition Conference
Dates: April 23rd-24th
Sponsoring Body: Kentucky Association of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse-Midwives
Conference Website: https://www.kcnpnm.org/page/conference
Funding Type
Travel Grant
Academic College
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Area/Major/Minor
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Classification
Graduate
Name
Janice Thurmond, DNP, APRN
Academic College
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Recommended Citation
Bertram, Blaire E.; Thurmond, Janice DNP; and Welden, Lois DNP, "Implementing Stress Reduction Strategies in New Graduate Nurses" (2025). ORCA Travel & Research Grants. 202.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/orcagrants/202